Cybersecurity Risks: E-Bikes Linked to Fire Hazards

Seattle-based Rad Power Bikes is in hot water as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning regarding the safety of its lithium-ion batteries. The warning, released on a Monday, states that certain Rad Power Bikes models are linked to at least 31 fires, leading to 12 reports of property damage totaling approximately $734,500.

The federal agency highlighted incidents where the batteries ignited even when not charging or during storage. Customers are advised to immediately remove and dispose of the affected batteries in accordance with local hazardous waste disposal procedures.

The specific battery models identified are RP-1304 and HL-RP-S1304, used in several Rad Power Bikes models including the RadWagon 4, RadCity HS 4, and RadRover High Step 5, among others. These batteries were sold through RadPowerBikes.com, Best Buy, and independent bike shops for around $550 as replacement batteries, or between $1,500 and $2,000 when purchased with the bikes.

In response, Rad Power Bikes, through its director of brand marketing and communications, Kelsey Wolf, argued that the company’s products meet or exceed safety standards. Wolf stated that Rad Power Bikes has a strong safety record and disagreed with the CPSC’s claim that their batteries are defective or unsafe.

She mentioned that the commission did not dispute the results of third-party tests conducted on their batteries and labeled the incident rate as a fraction of one percent. Wolf emphasized that all lithium-ion batteries can pose a fire risk under certain conditions such as damage, improper charging, or exposure to extreme temperatures.

Furthermore, she asserted that the company had proposed solutions to address the concerns, including offering customers discounts on new Safe Shield batteries, which have received praise for their safety features.

However, the CPSC rejected this proposal, claiming that Rad Power refused to agree to an acceptable recall. The company, which has faced financial struggles following the sales boom during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealed it might have to cease operations due to a lack of funding.

A notice filed indicated that 64 employees in Seattle would be laid off. Additionally, Rad Power's challenges have been compounded by past product recalls and lawsuits related to battery fires, including a tragic incident resulting in the death of a 12-year-old rider.

Industry expert Micah Toll from Electrek noted that fire risk is a concern for all e-bike batteries, not just those from Rad Power. He stated that Rad Power is no longer a dominant player in the e-bike market, further exacerbating its precarious position following the federal warning.